Switchgear Detection Switch Assembly for Airtight Compact Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switchgear and controlgear compartments are large due to non-uniform electric field distribution caused by sharp corners and airtightness issues when replacing voltage transformers or potential transformers, leading to increased volume and compromised insulation.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with rotatable conductive units and connecting mechanisms that position detection unit terminals outside the compartment, using conductive bushings and bumpers to ensure airtightness and uniform electric field distribution, and rounded or chamfered components to eliminate sharp corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If terminals of detection unit are arranged inside the airtight compartment, then electrical connection is achieved, but airtightness is compromised when terminals need to be removed for maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the terminals of the detection unit from inside the airtight compartment and positions them outside through opening ends in the bottom wall. This allows terminals to be accessed and replaced without compromising the airtightness of the compartment, as the opening ends are designed to maintain sealing when terminals are removed.
2Ease of operation
If conductive units are made thin for ease of insertion into clamps, then insertion is facilitated, but sharp corners are created that cause non-uniform electric field distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by rounding the corners of conductive units and busbars. This eliminates sharp corners that would cause electric field concentration and non-uniform distribution. The rounded corners maintain ease of insertion while ensuring uniform electric field distribution throughout the compartment.
3Reliability
If large spacing is provided between phases and walls to accommodate sharp corners, then charge accumulation is prevented, but compartment volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By rounding corners of conductive units and busbars, the patent eliminates charge accumulation points, allowing reduced spacing between phases and walls while maintaining insulation performance. This curvature principle enables compact compartment design without compromising electrical safety.
4Reliability
If conductive units are inserted into clamps on busbars, then electrical connection is achieved, but bounce occurs when contacting busbars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates bumpers on conductive units that provide cushioning before the conductive units contact the busbars. This beforehand cushioning prevents bounce and ensures stable, reliable electrical connection by absorbing impact energy prior to contact.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switch assembly for a detection unit of a switchgear or controlgear. The switch assembly includes a shaft rotatably arranged between opposite side walls of a compartment for accommodating an electrical component, the electrical component coupled to at least one connecting busbar of the switchgear; at least one conductive unit, each conductive unit being rotatable about the shaft between an open position and a close position; and at least one coupling mechanism arranged in the compartment and configured to electrically couple the conductive unit to the detection unit, wherein each coupling mechanism is electrically coupled to the respective connecting busbar when the conductive unit is in the close position, and is electrically decoupled from the respective connecting busbar when the conductive unit is in the open position and is grounded, and wherein each coupling mechanism includes a connecting unit for receiving a terminal of the detection unit positioned outside the compartment. In this way, maintenance or replacement of the detection unit will not affect the airtightness of the compartment. Furthermore, the connecting unit can also be used to receive the terminal of other kind of detection unit, such as terminals of test assemblies.